In an out-of-trim emergency descent, what is the target airspeed?

• A. 90 knots
• B. 100 knots
• C. 110 knots
• D. 120 knots

Answer: (B)

When you’re in an out-of-trim emergency descent, the goal is to descend quickly while staying controllable. Without trim, you can’t rely on the stabilizing effect of the trim system, so you pick an airspeed where elevator authority remains effective and the airplane stays stable in descent. About 100 knots works well for many light aircraft because it’s well above stall, giving enough control authority to manage the pitch and descent without over-sensitivity, while still providing a reasonable descent rate. Going slower brings you closer to stall and makes control more touchy; going faster can reduce stability and increase the risk of overspeed or loss of control in an untrimmed condition. So 100 knots is the balanced, safe target for this scenario. Always check your airplane’s POH for any specific limits, but 100 knots is a common standard.